Top 5: iOS Match Three Games

Thanks to mobile technology, we no longer have to be bored while we wait at the doctor's office or at the car dealer. You just pull out the trusty smartphone and entertain yourself by playing a casual match-three game (perhaps Bejeweled?). You know, one of those games where you have to line up three or more of the same items to score points. Time just seems to fly when you're swiping across the screen, matching up gems (or candies, or whatever). So what happens when you beat that last level? Find another similar game, rinse, and repeat. The problem is, with the enormous variety of match three games available at your fingertips, how do you narrow it down? Simple. Just check out this list of the top five for iOS.

If you and your friends happen to use LINE, a free messaging app for placing calls and sending messages, then you're in luck. LINE Pop is popular animal-based match three game you can play to compete with your fellow LINE users. Gameplay is pretty basic; you just swipe to match up three or more tiles (little anthropomorphic animal faces, in this case) to make them disappear amid absurdly cute little sounds. There are missions you can complete to boost your ranking so it makes it more of a challenge. You don't need to be a LINE user to play, but it does mean you won't have friends to give you hearts after you run out. It's definitely a fun app to play in your spare time, and it's free so no harm in trying it out.

Do you like candy? Then check out this sweet game where you crush candies to get the highest score possible. As with Bejeweled, you swap adjacent candies to line up three or more in a row. As the game progresses and you get to the higher levels, you're presented with different challenges like removing jelly squares, blasting away chocolate that keeps coming back, or changing the shape of the board. Candy Crush can easily get you addicted and provide hours of fun, but like every other freemium app, there are IAPs that can help you progress faster in the game. If you can withstand the temptation to shell out cash, then Candy Crush Saga is worth checking out. Otherwise it may drain your wallet.

Do you like town-building games? Have you ever thought what a match three and a town-building game would be like together? Mystery solved. You get something called Triple Town. This puzzler provides just enough challenge to keep you interested. When you match groups of three similar objects, they evolve into something bigger (bushes into trees, trees into huts, etc). As long as you maintain open space on your board, the game continues. As soon as you run out of space, that's the end, so strategy plays a huge role in this game. If this sounds like your kind of game, I suggest downloading it as soon as possible.

If you're the kind of person that needs a storyline to follow, Azkend 2 is for you. As you make your way back up to civilization from "the world beneath," you play through match-three and seek-and-find puzzles. With its crisp, gorgeous graphics, fascinating storyline, and challenging puzzles, Azkend 2 is not your average match-three game. Instead of swapping gems, you trace paths of identical items to clear them from the board. You have the opportunity to think strategically and use your power-ups to your advantage. There are even two other modes that you can play if you want to change things up: Medals and Time. If you're looking for a game that'll give you a fun, unique gameplay experience, Azkend 2 is what you need.

Think you're a beast at match three games? Here's your chance to prove it. In Witch Wars: Puzzle, you engage in one-on-one battles online with other players. Gameplay becomes fast and frantic as you look for matches to make, each one having a different effect. Match up three or more handcuffs and you lock some of your opponent's items. Match up spellbooks and you gain mana. Matching swords causes damage to the opposing player's health. There are different playable witches that you can unlock and choose from before you go into battle, each with their own unique spells. Some witches can only be unlocked with actual cash, but as with League of Legends, every day there are ones you can play for free. Despite its pricey IAPs, Witch Wars: Puzzle is must for match three or multiplayer mobile gamers.

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